From Backyard Room to Double Storey Home - Nomalanga’s Journey with Umnotho

By Bliss Yeni

September 26, 2025

When Nomalanga Mofokeng, a mother of three born in the Free State, first heard about Umnotho from a friend, she was skeptical. Living in a backyard room in Cosmo City, she longed for stability but wasn’t sure the opportunity was real.

“To tell the truth, I thought it might be a scam,” she admits. “But my husband said, ‘Let’s take the risk.’ He started paying for the stand, and that decision changed everything.”

Building with Peace of Mind

The process wasn’t fast, but it was structured. Nomalanga and her family followed the phases, attended meetings, and committed towards paying for a stand. Umnotho made it easier by handling planning requirements, town planning approvals, and guiding members step by step.

“The process was worth the wait,” she reflects. “Doing it through Umnotho gave us peace of mind. We knew we were working towards something real, something that would last.”

Today, Nomalanga lives in her own double-storey house with beautiful finishes, in Muldersdrift. While it’s not yet fully complete, it is liveable and most importantly, it belongs to her family.

“With a bond, I would still be paying for another 20 years,” she explains. “Through Umnotho, every payment went directly into building our future. Now I can proudly say this is my home.”

A Career Rooted in Land

Owning land did more than provide Nomalanga with a home, it gave her the foundation to explore a new career path. Trained in electrical engineering, she discovered her real passion was gardening, which she turned into a business.

“I realised how much I loved working with the soil at my previous job and learned as much as I could from my employer,” she says. “I then asked if I could use a patch of vacant land which belonged to Umnotho, behind my house, and started planting and experimenting. Soon I was able to build a business.”

Currently, Nomalanga grows edible flowers and micro herbs, supplying both restaurants and fruit-and-vegetable retailers. What began as a small idea has become a growing enterprise, all made possible because she had the space to try. “If I was still renting, I wouldn’t have had this opportunity,” she reflects. “Land ownership gave me the freedom to experiment and eventually create something sustainable for my family.”

More Than Just a House

For Nomalanga, the true value of land ownership lies in the stability and dignity it provides.

“Owning land allows you to dream bigger,” she says. “You can decide to build, to garden, to run a business, it’s your space, your future. The biggest gift for me is peace of mind. I don’t have to worry about eviction or debt. My children know this is home, and it will always be here for them.”

Through Umnotho, she and her family have laid the foundation for a brighter, more secure future. “One more thing that I truly appreciate is the assurance that should I leave this world to be with the Lord, I will not leave my children in debt,” she adds with a broad smile.

The Bigger Picture

Nomalanga’s journey reflects what is possible when communities come together with a shared vision. Umnotho is more than a housing initiative, it is a movement that turns dreams into reality by unlocking access to land, affordable housing, and new opportunities. Each home built is a step towards stronger families, thriving children, and flourishing communities.

“My life had taken a different turn when I left my backroom to live in an informal settlement. I suppose that also pushed me to give Umnotho a chance, to give myself and my family a chance,” she says, reflecting. “I’m glad that my husband had the faith he had when I felt despondent. Today, we live in a quiet premium location, and this is just the beginning of better things to come.”